Social Science Book Reviews | Self-Publishing Review

Review: The Purple World by Joseph Q. Jarvis MD, MSPH

The healthcare system in the United States has been in a state of change and narrowly averted collapse for some years now, and The Purple World: Healing the Harm in American Health Care by Joseph Q. Jarvis MD, MSPH provides both a professional and personal perspective on this critical issue.

Attempting to parse the ever-changing landscape of American healthcare is challenging, and forming a clear, comprehensive picture of the options, loopholes, tax ramifications and benefits is nearly impossible. Jarvis begins by establishing the crisis facing America, making his political stance known in the opening of this book, but fortunately, this […]

Review: The DNA of Democracy by Richard C. Lyons

A comprehensive analysis of democracy and its ideals since inception doesn’t immediately sound like a riveting read, but The DNA of Democracy by Richard C. Lyons is like no other history, work of anthropology, or political science book you’ve read before. With an informal voice and the ability to never take the subject too seriously, Lyons presents an impressive and insightful look at the trials and tribulations of human societies as we’ve attempted to find purpose and make peace.

The scale and scope of this book are initially daunting, but Lyons lays out an intuitive framework and explains the angle […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2019-07-03T12:48:42+02:00June 2nd, 2019|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: History Book Reviews, Social Science Book Reviews|

Masculinity is Our Future by Tim Patten

In his new book, Masculinity is our Future, Tim Patten argues that the most fundamental ideas of being “a real man” remain critical to the future of society, but must also be dynamic and progressive. This book digs into the cultural and traditional definitions of masculinity, pointing out the toxic elements, but also reminding readers of its importance, for a well-rounded and provocative examination of gender dynamics.

Patten is not ashamed to be a man – far from it – and appreciates that many masculine traits have driven progress and success for thousands of years. That being said, he […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2018-04-16T11:38:55+02:00April 15th, 2018|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Social Science Book Reviews|

Review: Lunacy and Death by Tom Dombrock

Outside of a personal tragedy or affliction, the average person rarely gets a deep look into the complexities of mortality and mental illness. However, in Lunacy and Death, the insightful new book Tom Dombrock, readers are welcomed into the author’s world, which has been defined by these challenging topics for decades.

As both a Psych Aide in a locked psychiatric ward and a technician in a Medical Examiner’s Office, Dombrock has seen more shattered realities than most people could ever imagine. This book is not a flashy or dramatic vision of a psych ward, à la One Flew Over […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2019-01-22T15:12:54+02:00April 13th, 2018|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Psychology Book Reviews, Social Science Book Reviews|

Review: Serendipity by Thomas J. Thorson

The big picture that we’re taught in school is rarely the completely accurate picture, and curiosity can bring you down some fascinating and unforgettable rabbit holes. In Serendipity: Seemingly Random Events, Insignificant Decisions, and Accidental Discoveries that Altered History by Thomas J. Thorson, readers are welcomed into a long and disparate list of historical tales that exemplify the uncertainty of life, and the unbelievable ways that luck has influenced our common existence.

The book is a series of stories about well-known historical events and figures, but these are stories that few have ever heard before. Did you know that Handel, […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2021-12-22T03:32:20+02:00December 18th, 2017|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: History Book Reviews, Social Science Book Reviews|

Humans: From Nothing to Now by Brett Ashcroft Harrison

For readers hungering for a mind-expanding dip into new philosophical explorations, Humans: From Nothing to Now by Brett Ashcroft Harrison is an ideal read.

Delving into some of the most complex and stymying questions known to us, this book is not for the faint of heart, but it is also written in terms that anyone can understand. Rather than taking a scientific or religious approach, Harrison tries to explain profound truths through a new avenue – the perspective of human achievement and discovery.

From quantum mechanics and primal brain development to humanity’s penchant for artistic expression and the spark of […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2017-09-29T06:10:36+02:00September 28th, 2017|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Social Science Book Reviews|

Review: The Digital Rabbit Hole by Larry Kilham

In the digital age, we might not know everything, but we generally feel sure we can easily find all the information we need. In The Digital Rabbit Hole, Larry Kilham, experienced businessman and author, suggests that our choice to constantly seek answers in cyberspace may be our worst obstacle to true knowledge and wisdom.

Using the imagery of Alice in Wonderland as Alice descends into a mad and unpredictable world, Kilham illustrates how the digital age poses potential unseen dangers. Smartphones and other devices take away our willingness to solve problems on our own while demonstrably shortening attention spans. […]

Barbara Scott2020-02-21T07:48:04+02:00June 17th, 2017|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Social Science Book Reviews|

Review: Federal Prison Handbook by Christopher Zoukis

There is a great deal of literature written about the prison system in the United States, and given that roughly 1 out of every 100 adult Americans will be incarcerated at some point in their lives, it is a subject that deserves attention. However, books written from the perspective of an inmate, about the detailed inner workings of life in prison, are far less common. In Federal Prison Handbook by Christopher Zoukis, no aspect of prison life is overlooked, making this a deeply compelling read for anyone who has ever wanted to learn more about life behind bars.

The book […]